Friday, April 30, 2010

This week's featured Etsy artist is also the Etsyblogger of the month! Congratulations to Pam, who runs two wonderful shops: Magdalene Jewels and Magdalene Knits. With so much talent, it was easy to find favorites in each shop! I love the detail and artistry in this Vintage Bracelet, which uses vintage components and semiprecious beads in carnelian, jade, and golden onyx.

And of course when I read that the description referenced Anais Nin -- I knew for sure this was a shop where I'd feel at home!

1. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?

Since I have been very young I have always loved doing something creative, whether knitting, crocheting, embroidering, quilting, painting, and for the past few years designing my own jewelry, all of which I have taught myself. The many Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings are all created and designed by myself. I recently added my first ring to my collection. As I just started making jewelry a few years ago, it was a total learning process which I can attest to, as I see pieces I designed when I first started compared to what I design now. I never had any intention of selling my work, I would just give it away. If someone said how much they liked a certain piece, well, it was then theirs -- I still tend to do this with my friends, even when they want to pay me.

As for my knitted and crocheted items which are in my newest shop, MagdaleneKnits, when I found out that my daughter was going to have her first child (my first grandchild) I started crocheting little baby booties, and baby sweaters, and other little baby items, even a little lamb for Easter. I originally had scarves and neck warmers in my jewelry shop, but they have now been relegated to my knit shop as well. For any of you who do knit or crochet, you will understand when I say it is a very relaxing activity.

2. How did you get involved with Etsy?

My friend Marion, who has a shop on Etsy in which she sells beautiful handmade quilts, suggested I put a few of my pieces on Etsy and try to sell them. So began Magdalene Jewels.

3. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?

Besides being a member of the Etsy Bloggers Team; I also am a member of Bbest Team ("B" stands for Boomers), yes, that generation! And I just recently joined CreateCrochet after opening my Crochet and Knit shop here on Etsy.

4. What inspires your creations?

I imagine that my inspirations evolve from my own personality and what one would term my very vivid imagination. As all my pieces are made with Swarovski Crystals, often I will see a beautiful color crystal, which when in the light can reflect so many possibilities that my mind becomes absorbed in a certain moment or feeling, or a certain song will come to mind, from there the creativity begins. Those that truly know me will understand this. As you can see from most of my pieces, I am one who is truly a romantic and love the feminine aspect of my being.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

Although there are many from my Jewelry shop, I would have to say The Rose (named after my favorite song by Janis Joplin).I love the femininity of this piece, it has such a Renaissaince look to it.

6. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop ? I really can't say that I have any sort of challenge, since I enjoy what I am doing.

7. What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Firstly, I would say to enjoy what you do, that is where you will find your creativity. I also suggest to those that are not part of a team to find one that relates to what their craft is, or interests. One, it is a good way to promote your work, and definitely do some Treasurys -- they are a lot of fun to put together. Also, definitely communicate through your blogs, it is a good networking tool. But most important to me since I have been here at Etsy, is not the sales I have made or hope to make, it is the dear friends I have made during the past few years. We are there for each other during our many ups and downs, and very supportive during the many obstacles we often are challenged with.

8. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.

I find my jewelry making to be more of a hobby then a job. If I looked at it as a job, I think I would lose the enjoyment of being creative. So I prefer to enjoy what I do, as I feel each piece of jewelry I make is an extension of inner self. My hobbies consist of working of my various crafts that are in my shop. I also love to do quilting, and have made some beautiful baby quilts, and designed one for my daughter when she got engaged (the center has a heart with both her and her husband's names embroidered in it) I design my own quilts, working out the blocks and sizing, etc.- still have not learned how to work with a pattern. With all the crafting I do, I must say my main passion is writing either on my blogs or in my journals. Someday I hope to write a book, I have my ideas all assembled within my head, just have to find a minute to put those thoughts onto paper. Besides two kitty cats which keep me busy, I also watch 2 infants everyday (one which is my grandson), so my days are totally complete! I have been on disability for 6 years, but as I say, I am the busiest unemployed person I know!

9. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

I have two blogs: one of which involves my everyday life, etc: http://MagdaleneJewelspjk.blogspot.com

The other are specific blogs which I write for our Blogger Team on the many topics they provide: http://MagdaleneJewelsblogs.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I've seen daffodils, the azalea's are blooming, and even the blueberry bushes have blossoms. All the stores have flowers for you to plant. And I wish lots of beautiful flowers for our birthday gals this week! Join me in sending these wishes.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Greetings from Georgia, where I am visiting with my daughter and her 3 daughters! I hope you had a Happy Easter and are looking forward to warmer weather. Please send warm birthday wishes to our birthday gals!

Monday, April 5, 2010

Erika, of Nico Designs, has been sewing since she was a little girl, nearly 20 years now. Like most of us crafters, she says it keeps her sane. Crafting allows her to be creative and try new things, two things that are very important in her life since her decision to stay at home with her kids.

Her favorite things to make are dolls and baby items. Her three-year-old daughter inspires her work, as well as nature. Often times after spending time outside or at a zoo she finds herself wanting to create.

Aside from sewing, she has recently taken interest in gardening. She enjoys how excited the kids get about the garden, and it helps live a healthier lifestyle.You'll find in her shop announcement that she donates some of her sales to the Ronald McDonald House in Temple and to MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston in memory of Chloe, age 7, pointing out that only 4% of the National Cancer Institute's research budget goes to children's cancer research? And that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children age 15 and younger. She shared her touching story with me.

"A former childhood neighbor lost his oldest daughter, Chloe, to cancer. She was seven years old. I was struck by her smile and courage. Her mother seemed so brave. I do not think I could have kept it together the way she did. Anyway, because of that and what I learned about funding and just the simple fact that it is so young to deal with death I wanted to do something. We donate funds/supplies and I am currently making blankets for the Ronald McDonald House."